Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board reports to and advises the Minister of Service NL on the application of the Buildings Accessibility Act and its regulations to bring knowledge and understanding of issues related to buildings accessibility for people with physical and/or sensory disabilities to government and also on other related matters that the Minister may assign to the Board. 

Structure:

The Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board consists of a chairperson, vice-chair, representatives of persons with disabilities, one representative of the department, other than the director, and other members that may be appointed by government. There are currently nine members on the Board. 

Competency Profile:

Those who make up the Advisory Board should collectively possess the following core competencies:

• Possess personal and/or professional experience with physical or sensory disability;
• Knowledge of barriers faced by people with physical and/or sensory disabilities in accessing buildings and related infrastructure normally available to members of the public;
• Professional, volunteer, and/or community involvement in advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities;
• Leadership experience; and
• Professional knowledge of building design, universal design, related standards/building codes, and/or any other related expertise as an architect, engineer, or contractor would be an asset.

Qualifications:

Members of the Board should have the following qualifications:

• personal and/or professional experience with physical and/or sensory disability;
• appreciation of the legislative responsibilities in serving the public interest
• any related legal/legislative experience;
• flexible, responsive, and willing to consider others’ opinions;
• capable of taking a wide perspective on issues;
• ability to listen and work as a team member;
• high ethical standards and integrity;
• strong analytical skills;
• expertise or experience in universal design; and,
• A post-secondary degree, diploma, or construction trade certification specializing in building design, universal design, and/or knowledge of the Canadian Standards Association B651 Standard and national building codes would be an asset.

Time Commitments:

Members of the Advisory Board should be available to meet up to four times per year for 1.5 – 2 days at a time, plus related travel time. Members may also be asked to attend conference calls and attend other events, engagement sessions and meetings at the request of the Chair.

Board members are expected to spend additional time reviewing materials and making other preparations for board meetings.

Term:

Board members are appointed for a two year term and are eligible for reappointment. Section 18 of the Buildings Accessibility Act allows a board member to continue to serve until reappointed or replaced.